Posted:October 15, 2014

UPDATE: New Boost Mobile and Sprint prepaid devices can no longer be activated on Ting. This is due to Sprint's new unlocking policy. When attempting activation you may receive the following message:

We no longer recommend buying a Boost or Sprint prepaid phone unless you do so in a store where you can run the MEID on the box through Ting's MEID checker before purchase.

Sprint will not allow used prepaid phones to be activated on Ting unless they have been active for over 12 months on the original provider (i.e. Boost or Sprint prepaid).

The best option for most people will be to use Ting's GSM network instead. For more information read our review of Ting's GSM network. Another option is to purchase the Aquos Crystal directly from Ting - it will definitely activate and work as intended. If you are a new customer, you can receive a $25 discount by using this promotional link prior to purchasing it.

If you have had trouble activating a Boost or Sprint prepaid device you can let us know by voting here.

The Sharp AQUOS Crystal has just been released as a Sprint, Boost, and Virgin Mobile exclusive device with a retail cost of $149. To learn more about this device check out my full review. In this post, I wanted to go ahead and share how to activate the device on Ting, my mobile service provider. As I explained in the Ting Moto G and LG Volt activation guides, this is not an "officially" supported device, but functions well on Ting.

I was able to get the Boost Mobile version of the Sharp AQUOS Crystal to activate perfectly on Ting. Voice, texting (SMS and MMS), and data including tri-band LTE work as intended.

The Sharp AQUOS does not have built-in tethering or a mobile hotspot and the third party tethering apps I tried did not work. Much like the Moto G, tethering or a mobile hotspot is not possible with this phone on the stock software. Other people have also had success with the Sprint prepaid version - both should work fine on Ting.

Google just announced the latest Android version 5.0 Lollipop, Nexus 9 tablet, Nexus 6 phone, and the Nexus Player. You can read all about the new devices at the links provided in Google's blog post, but the following are the basics for each device, including pricing and expected availability.

Posted:October 2, 2014

UPDATE: New Boost Mobile and Sprint prepaid devices can no longer be activated on Ting. This is due to Sprint's new unlocking policy. When attempting activation you may receive the following message:

We no longer recommend buying a Boost or Sprint prepaid phone unless you do so in a store where you can run the MEID on the box through Ting's MEID checker before purchase.

Sprint will not allow used prepaid phones to be activated on Ting unless they have been active for over 12 months on the original provider (i.e. Boost or Sprint prepaid).

The best option for most people will be to use Ting's GSM network instead. You can purchase a Moto G that will work perfectly on Ting's GSM network. For more information read our comprehensive Ting review.

Alternatively, you can buy a refurbished CDMA Moto G directly from Ting. Those models are guaranteed to work and are only $91. If you are a new customer, you can $25 credit to your account by using this promotional link prior to purchasing it.

If you have had trouble activating a Boost or Sprint prepaid device you can let us know by voting here.

The Motorola Moto G is an excellent "low-end" smartphone that has been available since the end of last year, but has recently dropped in price from its already low retail price of $180 to an astounding $80. Unfortunately, Ting, my mobile service provider, does not officially support the Moto G.

However, since Boost Mobile is a Sprint MVNO similar to Ting and some of Boost's phones have been known to activate just fine on Ting, I thought I would give it a try. I assumed that if it just wouldn't activate - the worst case scenario - all I would have to lose is a few minutes of time.

If you are interested in other inexpensive devices that can be used on Ting, check out the Sharp AQUOS Crystal and LG Volt - both of these device offer similar performance to the Moto G with the addition of LTE data and expandable storage.

I am happy to report that the Boost Mobile version of the Moto G will activate on Ting. Everything works as intended, except for creating a WiFi hotspot. Please note that creating a WiFi hotspot and tethering on this phone do NOT work (Edit: rooting the device and installing a custom ROM resolves this issue). Voice calling, texting (including SMS and MMS), and 3G data work perfectly. The Moto G does not have LTE.